Dental Schools
Best Dental Assistant Schools In Las Vegas | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
Although the state does not require a specific education, it is considered a great advantage to have such a dental education in one of the Dental Assistant Schools In Las Vegas.
Employers prefer candidates with some form of education because they can perform more functions. CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredits dental assistant schools and programs in Las Vegas Nevada.
Are There Dental Assistant Schools In Las Vegas?
Yes, to become a dentist in Las Vegas, you must be licensed by the state. To be licensed, you must earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.
A degree from a dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is recommended. Then you need to write and pass clinical exams.
If you prefer a specialty, you need to complete additional training before starting practice. But, of course, if you are good at general dentistry, then you will not need to undergo additional training.
After completing your dental education, you must be licensed in the state in which you wish to practice. Most states require that you pass the National Board of Dental Examiners and a state or regional clinical exam in addition to your degree.
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How Much Do Dental Assistant Schools Cost In Las Vegas?
The DDS program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine (UNLV SDM) is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Tuition for the DDS program is one rate for both in-state and out-of-state students:
- Tuition: $28,667/semester plus $5,100/semester special fee.
- Total = $33,767 per semester (6 semester program).
If you are a resident, earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree will cost you the following:
- 1st Year Pre-Doc: $59,836
- 2nd Year Pre-Doc: $59,836
- 3rd Year Pre-Doc: $59,836
- 4th Year Pre-Doc: $40,860
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What Are The Requirements For Dental Assistant Schools In Las Vegas?
Admission requirements for dental school in Las Vegas vary from school to school. Therefore, it is advised to always check the school’s official website to confirm.
There are some general requirements that are common to several schools, namely:
- As an applicant, you must have completed some courses or the equivalent of those courses that are approved to study dentistry at universities.
- Be sure to confirm the courses on the school’s official website as they may vary.
- You must obtain a minimum GPA. Some schools will require a 3.0 GPA in the last 30 hours of science courses. But you have to confirm it with the school.
- You will need to take a test called the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The test, along with other factors, is used to admit students to dental programs.
- If you have failed the test three times in a row, you will need special permission to be able to take the test again.
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What Are The Best Dental Assistant Schools In Las Vegas?
Although the state does not require a specific education, it is considered a great advantage to have such a dental education. Employers prefer candidates with some form of education because they can perform more functions.
CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredits dental assistant schools and programs in Las Vegas Nevada.
When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a series of rankings by major, including this list of the best dental assistant schools in Las Vegas Nevada to help you make your college decision.
#1. UNLV School of Dental Medicine
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a minority-serving, diverse, and equitable institution. UNLV provides access to a world-class educational experience that meets the needs of students.
UNLV offers high-value, cutting-edge interdisciplinary physical and mental health support and is committed to improving the lives of diverse students and transforming our communities through education and engagement.
The UNLV School of Dental Medicine provides world-class oral health education while serving the dental needs of Nevadans.
#2. Dental Assistant School Las Vegas – Charleston
The Dental Assistant School in Las Vegas was founded to allow students to become dental assistants while providing all the skills, training and requirements necessary to enter the local workforce.
Their dental assistant course has helped thousands of people start a new career in dentistry.
They help students graduate debt-free by offering affordable tuition and flexible payment plans.
Both online and blended courses are designed to prepare students to work in dental offices and learn what it takes to become a dental assistant.
Las Vegas Dental Assistant School prepares students for all the skills they need using a proven curriculum taught by passionate and knowledgeable school faculty who are excited to help students succeed in the field.
#3. BDH Academy
BDG Academy was developed as part of BDG Dental Services. BDG Dental Services was founded by CEO Dr. David Ting in 2002 with his first dental office in Las Vegas.
BDG Dental Services owns and operates 20 dental offices in Las Vegas, Southern California and Arizona.
Their programs emphasize hands-on training to prepare students to work in a dental office immediately after graduation.
They seek to attract and train highly motivated individuals with high moral standards to participate in a uniquely rigorous program that will shape them into highly sought after dentists.
BDG offers the best teaching and learning opportunities in the industry. They promote and support continuing education and employment opportunities with growth potential.
At the BDG Academy, you get the technical training and hands-on training you need to start a career in patient care.
#4. UEI College
The UEI Las Vegas Dental Assistant program combines online classes with hands-on lab training and can propel you into the dental career you’ve always wanted.
Learn to assist dentists in a variety of clinical activities and treatments in just ten months, from X-rays and patient education for preventative care to chairside assistance, prosthodontics and dental specialties.
You will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through an externship in a local dental office at the end of your course, which will prepare you for what comes after graduation.
The Dental Assistant program at UEI provides a solid, career-ready foundation for anyone looking to enter the field.
#5. College of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada, a public college located in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers programs in dental hygiene and dental assisting.
These programs consist of classroom work, laboratory research, and hands-on clinical experience. Students learn to perform ancillary dental procedures as defined by the Nevada Dental Practice Act.
Students gain valuable work experience through clinical rotations and internship opportunities at the UNLV School of Dentistry and residency programs, private dental offices, and public and community health clinics.
Graduates have the right to take the exam for a certified dental assistant. This exam is recognized by the American Dental Association and administered through the National Board of Dental Care.
#6. Northwest Career College
Northwest Career College in Las Vegas, Nevada was founded in 1997 as Northwest Massage School. This college offers Diplomas in Dental Assisting.
The NCC Dental Assistant School is one of the most advanced in Las Vegas, offering students the opportunity to learn under the guidance of dental professionals in a large eight-room laboratory as well as online.
From state-of-the-art digital x-ray training to hands-on externships, their dental care program is cutting edge. You can complete the Dental Assistant program and earn your diploma in as little as nine months.
Northwest’s Career Services team works with students to help them find the best Las Vegas dental assistant job opportunity that fits their needs.
#7. Pima Medical Institute – Las Vegas
Pima Medical Institute in Las Vegas is a private, employee-owned, accredited medical college.
Founded in 1972, they focus on educating students to become career-ready, with an exclusive focus on the health care professions, including medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.
Their curriculum includes certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s programs.
Pima Medical Institute offers hybrid training options for several nine-month certificate programs, including medical assistant, dental assistant, veterinary assistant, healthcare administrator certificate and pharmacy technician.
Mixed students benefit from the same support as students on university programmes, including support from student services, careers services and more.
They offer a dental assistant certificate degree and a dental hygienist degree. They also offer online programs.
#8. Carrington College – Las Vegas
Carrington College is located in Paradise, Nevada in the Las Vegas area, with qualified faculty who provide hands-on classes to provide students with real-life experience.
From dental care to dental hygiene, you’re sure to find something that’s right for you.
They offer flexible study options, accelerated learning and career development services to help graduates find work in their career fields.
Carrington has a variety of dental programs to choose from, so you can choose the career path that best fits your personal and professional goals.
Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program trains students in all aspects of working as a dentist, including patient care, office and laboratory duties.
#9. Milan Institute – Las Vegas
The Milan Institute helps students unlock their true potential by paving the way to careers through degree programs that require less than a two-year commitment.
The Milan Institute offers a college atmosphere conducive to learning and personal development.
For more than 35 years, the Milan Institute and the Milan Institute of Cosmetology have helped more than 35,000 graduates.
They offer a variety of training programs in health, beauty, business and massage. They offer a dental care program.
#10. Rosemary University of Medical Sciences
Roseman University of Health Sciences is committed to providing the highest quality education and clinical experience.
Students at the College of Dental Medicine benefit from state-of-the-art teaching and clinical facilities equipped with the latest computer and multimedia technologies.
Whether you are looking to begin your educational journey in dentistry or want to continue your dental education, Roseman University has you covered.
The dental programs offered by the College of Dental Medicine at Roseman University of Health Sciences offer an unparalleled learning environment.
The programs aim to improve the oral health of the population, with a special focus on individuals and families.
This is achieved through dental education, educational and clinical research, community-based health services and leadership in health care.
CODM receives applications through the AADSAS service of the American Association for Dental Education.
How Much Do Dental Assistants In Las Vegas Earn?
The national average hourly wage for a dental assistant is $20.34. US ($42,310 per year) in the United States. Of course, rates vary based on location, skills, years of experience, and other factors.
The average Certified Dental Assistant salary in Las Vegas, Nevada is $42,248, which is 9% below the national average Certified Dental Assistant salary of $46,588.
This salary is 38% lower than the combined average salary in the other cities of San Francisco, California, Dallas, Texas and Boston. The average bonus for a certified dental assistant is $490, which is 1% of their salary, with 100% of people reporting receiving a bonus each year.
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How Do I Become Dental Assistant In Las Vegas?
The Nevada Board of Dental Examiners does not license dental assistants in the state and leaves it up to employers to develop their own education and training standards for the candidates they hire for dental assistant positions.
There are many functions that dental assistants in Nevada are permitted to perform under the supervision of a licensed dental hygienist, as well as other functions that must be performed under the supervision of a licensed dental hygienist.
However, a dental assisting education program is highly recommended, even though state law does not require it. It is virtually impossible to perform some of the dental assisting functions required of Nevada dental assistants without some training or education.
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Best Paying Dental Assistant Jobs In Las Vegas 2024
In Nevada, dental assistant jobs are available throughout the state, but many are in large cities. Dental assistants work in dental schools, dental practices, and dental offices. Examples of potential employers for dental assistants in Nevada include, but are not limited to:
- Pacific Dental Services – Las Vegas
- Heartland Dental, LLC – Henderson and Las Vegas
- Willow Springs Dental Care – Summerlin
- Coast Dental Services, Inc. – Las Vegas
- Western Dental Centers – Sparks
- College of Southern Nevada – Las Vegas
Nevada CDAs must renew their certification every two years through DANB. This requires earning 12 continuing dental education (CDE) credits per year. In order to be DANB accredited, the CDE must be directly related to the practice of dental assisting or dentistry and last at least 45 minutes.
Other DANB certification exams and dental certifications may be taken and counted toward 12 CDEs every two years. CDE categories include clinical practice, dental office management, volunteering, and research activities (ie, providing CDE).
Dental Assistant Schools In Las Vegas FAQs
Many dental assistants in Nevada choose to pursue their Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Not only is this national certification recognized in the United States, it also demonstrates competence and skill in the dental assisting profession. Becoming a CDA in Nevada communicates to potential employers that a dental assistant has completed the highest level of training and education available in the field.
Dental assistant jobs in Las Vegas are currently in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dental assistant employment to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
In Nevada, dental assistant jobs are available throughout the state, but many are in large cities. Dental assistants work in dental schools, dental practices, and dental offices.
Nevada CDAs must renew their certification every two years through DANB. This requires earning 12 continuing dental education (CDE) credits per year. In order to be DANB accredited, the CDE must be directly related to the practice of dental assisting or dentistry and last at least 45 minutes.
Other DANB certification exams and dental certifications may be taken and counted toward 12 CDEs every two years. CDE categories include clinical practice, dental office management, volunteering, and research activities (ie, providing CDE).
Competitive scores for admission to the UNLV School of Dentistry are a 3.4 GPA or higher and a Dental Admissions Test (DAT) score of 19-20. The UNLV School of Dentistry Admissions Office recommends that applicants who wish to be competitive for admission take additional upper-division biology courses in addition to prerequisites to prepare for the first year of the dental program.
Conclusion
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is a good source of quality dental assisting educational programs. Las Vegas has one accredited program, but that doesn’t mean you only have one option. Other programs may provide adequate training to prepare you for certification.
The College of Southern Nevada Dental Assisting Program is CODA accredited. It includes laboratory time, classroom instruction, and clinical work for hands-on experience.
You will also participate in internships at the University of Nevada School of Dentistry in Las Vegas and other locations. The program is offered on the school’s Charleston campus, which is located between the Strip and all of the city’s exciting nightlife and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
References
- educationplanetonline.com – 10 Top Dental Schools in Las Vegas-Programs & Requirements
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